You god
Composition-wise, the most perfect job I have ever heard ... this is seriously awesome.
The first theme with the trompets tutti was awesome, it gave from the first second of the song, an epic feeling, I really enjoyed it. AT 1:32 when the clarinet plays the E, I can easily hear the Lydian mode. I also enjoyed a lot when the piano came in, and especially at 0:42, where you added the 7th (I think it's a G#), it gave this part a nice feeling, a very original feeling, well done.
Then, it's the trompet solo ... I can complain, you are the master O.o. Very smooth improvisation, the variations were great. The groove was great also, the drums were maybe a bit complicated, this is why the groove sounded more Jungle/Latin than Jazz. I'm not saying that Jungle is more complicated than Jazz but I the Latin beat use more the Snare and the Jazz is more focused on the Ride Cymbal and on the Rim Shot. And good bass groove, what program did you used to program it ? It sound awesome.
I enjoyed how the main theme came back at 2:20, the main theme fit very well the improvisation. At first listen I didn't notice the main theme coming back but after two of three listens I noticed the main theme coming, I must say this is pretty brilliant. Then end was pretty good, though, I think you could add 4 eighth notes played by the snare to make the end more powerful lol. It's just my Metal Head opinion :P. Anyway, the plane sound at the begining and the end was a very nice addition.
Overall, you deserve to win the MAC, so congrats ! About the song itself, the Lydian Mode was the best to give the song an happy and epic feeling. I can see that you put a lot of effort on this one (as always), it could have been a bit longer though. Congrats again. 5'd and Favorited.
Ps: I'm recording my solo for the Funk Contest, and I post a preview on my alt because I need your opinion. I'm PMing you.